NEW LONDON, Wis. (WTAQ) - A soldier from New London has apologized for falsely claiming he was injured in Afghanistan, and for exaggerating his rank and awards. Army Specialist Jordan Olson got a hero’s welcome last Saturday when he said he flew home for a medical evaluation. He claimed he was hurt by a roadside bomb – he wore the parachutist and combat action badges – and he said he was a sergeant. But some people questioned that account when the media reported it. And the Army said on Monday that none of it was true.
Tuesday, Olson admitted that he knew he misspoke about his rank, and he was wearing things on his uniform that he should not have. And he said he felt guilty once he saw all the people at his homecoming. About 60 flag-waving veterans and well-wishers greeted Olson when he flew into an airport near Appleton. The Army says it will deal with the situation once Olson returns from his leave.
